Educator Resources

Exploring In-Depth

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey is undertaking the monumental task of mapping our Universe in a way never before attempted. The findings are greatly contributing to our understanding of the Universe and are helping to provide the answers to many important questions. Explore the Astro Bulletin feature, “Sloan Digital Sky Survey.” Use the questions below to facilitate class discussion:

How does the Sloan Digital Sky Survey differ from the work of other telescopes?

What is spectroscopy, and how does it help astronomers better understand the composition of the Universe?

What is redshift? How does measuring redshift enable astronomers to determine an object’s distance?

How can light from distant bodies help us understand the history of the Universe?

Why are the data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey important in understanding cosmological theories?

Related Links

Related Links from NASA

Imagine the Universe: Doppler Shift
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/YBA/cyg-X1-mass/Doppler.htmlAn introduction to the phenomenon of redshifting, through an explanation of The Doppler Shift.

World Book @ NASA: Galaxy
http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/galaxy_worldbook.htmlWhat are galaxies? What are they made of, and what kinds are there? Explore the basics in this article from World Book @ NASA.